How to Use mate-screenshot (with examples)
mate-screenshot is a command-line tool that allows you to capture screenshots in the MATE desktop environment. It provides various options to capture different types of screenshots. In this article, we will explore different use cases of the mate-screenshot command with practical examples.
1: Creating a Fullscreen Screenshot
To capture a fullscreen screenshot, simply execute the mate-screenshot command without any additional arguments.
mate-screenshot
Motivation: This use case is useful when you want to capture the entire screen as an image. It can be helpful for taking screenshots of the entire desktop or capturing a specific moment during a presentation or demonstration.
Example Output: A screenshot of the entire screen will be saved as an image file in your default directory.
2: Creating an Active Window Screenshot
To capture a screenshot of the currently active window, use the –window argument.
mate-screenshot --window
Motivation: When you only need to capture a specific window instead of the whole screen, using the –window argument comes in handy. This can be useful when you want to showcase a particular application or collect information about a specific window for debugging purposes.
Example Output: A screenshot of the active window will be saved as an image file in your default directory.
3: Creating a Specific Area Screenshot
If you want to capture a specific area of the screen, you can use the –area argument. This allows you to select the desired portion of the screen interactively.
mate-screenshot --area
Motivation: Sometimes, you may want to capture only a specific part of the screen, such as a particular region or a specific object. The –area option allows you to choose the area to capture using a selection tool, ensuring that you get the exact portion of the screen you need.
Example Output: A screenshot of the selected area will be saved as an image file in your default directory.
4: Creating an Interactive Screenshot
To capture a screenshot interactively, use the –interactive argument. This option launches the screenshot tool, allowing you to choose the type and area of the screenshot using a graphical user interface.
mate-screenshot --interactive
Motivation: The interactive mode provides a convenient way to capture screenshots by giving you control over the various options and allowing you to preview the selection before taking the screenshot. It is especially useful when you are unsure about the specific type or area of the screenshot you want to capture.
Example Output: The screenshot tool will be launched, providing you with options to choose the type and area of the screenshot. Once you confirm your selection, the screenshot will be saved as an image file in your default directory.
5: Creating a Screenshot without Borders
If you want to capture a screenshot without including the window borders, you can use the –remove-border argument.
mate-screenshot --window --remove-border
Motivation: The –remove-border option is useful when you want to capture the contents of a window without any surrounding distractions, such as the title bar or window borders. This can be beneficial when you need to focus on the actual content within a window for documentation or presentation purposes.
Example Output: A screenshot of the active window without borders will be saved as an image file in your default directory.
6: Creating a Screenshot with a Specific Effect
The mate-screenshot command provides options to add specific effects to the screenshots. You can use the –effect argument with the desired effect, such as shadow, border, or none.
mate-screenshot --effect=shadow|border|none
Motivation: Adding effects to screenshots can enhance their appearance or highlight specific areas. The shadow effect adds a drop shadow to the captured image, the border effect adds a border around the image, and the none effect removes any effects.
Example Output: A screenshot with the specified effect will be saved as an image file in your default directory.
7: Creating a Screenshot with a Specific Delay
Sometimes, you may need to capture a screenshot with a specific delay. You can use the –delay argument to specify the delay in seconds before capturing the screenshot.
mate-screenshot --delay=5
Motivation: The delay option allows you to set a timer before capturing the screenshot, giving you enough time to set up the desired screen state or configure the window as needed. This can be helpful when you need to capture an action that occurs after a certain delay.
Example Output: The mate-screenshot command will wait for the specified delay and then capture a screenshot, saving it as an image file in your default directory.
Conclusion
mate-screenshot is a versatile command-line tool that provides several options to capture screenshots in the MATE desktop environment. By using the different arguments and options available, you can capture fullscreen screenshots, active window screenshots, specific area screenshots, and more. Experimenting with these use cases will help you quickly and efficiently capture screenshots to meet your specific needs.
